ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Civil Aviation
First flight operations flagged off on Belgaum – Surat – Kishangarh route under UDAN
The first flight operations from Belgaum  to Surat  to Kishangarh  were flagged off today under the RCS-UDAN  of the Government of India. The officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation  and Airport Authority of India  were present at the inauguration. The launch of the flight operations on the Surat-Kishangarh-Belgaum route aligns with the government’s objective to provide air connectivity with metros to the Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities of the country under UDAN. More than 300 routes have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme, and the flag off marks the inauguration of the 303rd route under the ambit of the scheme.
In its constant endeavour to link the unconnected regions, Star Air was awarded the Belgaum-Surat-Kishangarh route during the UDAN 3 bidding process last year. The airlines are being provided Viability Gap Funding  under the UDAN scheme to keep the fares affordable & accessible for the common people. The airline will be operating thrice-weekly flights on the route and will deploy its 50-seater Embraer-145 aircraft. The route marks the commencement of the 20th UDAN route by the airline.
The aerial connectivity on this route had been one of the most awaited demands of natives. People frequently visit the famous Nine Planets temple, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Pushkar Lake, Phool Mahal Palace, Roopangarh Fort, etc in Kishangarh. Furthermore, the city is also known as the Marble City of India and is a big market of red chilies. Until now there was no direct mode of transport available from Belgaum to Kishangarh. The travellers were compelled to take a train till Agra, and further, they had to opt for a bus to reach Kishangarh. Similarly, by road, the completion of the entire journey took more than 25 hrs. Now, people can travel comfortably & fly at ease by opting for a flight of 3:10 hours. Apart from saving time, money, and energy of the people who travel frequently between Belgaum & Kishangarh, the launch of the regular flight operations on the route will further provide a catalyst to trade & tourism of the region. Likewise, the natives of the Silk City & Diamond City, Surat had to suffer long train & road journeys to reach the Marble City. The completion of the entire journey took more than 50 hours, Now, natives reach Kishangarh by opting for a flight of just 80 mins.
The Flight schedule is mentioned below:
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light No.
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Sector
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Dep.
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Arr.
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Frequency
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Effective Date
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OG-141
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Belgaum-Surat
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12:00
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13:20
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Mon, Wed, Fri
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21 Dec onwards
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OG-143
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Surat-Kishangarh
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13:50
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15:10
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Mon, Wed, Fri
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21 Dec onwards
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OG-144
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Kishangarh-Surat
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15:40
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17:00
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Mon, Wed, Fri
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21 Dec onwards
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OG-142
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Surat-Belgaum
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17:30
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18:50
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Mon, Wed, Fri
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21 Dec onwards
Ministry of Tourism
Shri Nitin Gadkari says we all must be aligned with the commitment made by Prime Minister to achieve the target of a carbon-neutral country by the year 2070
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said we all must be aligned with the commitment made by Prime Minister recently at the COP-26 summit to achieve the target of net-zero emissions or a carbon-neutral country by the year 2070. Addressing ICC’s AGM & Annual Session on Bharat@75 ‘Empowering India: Today for Tomorrow’ he saidadoption of cutting-edge technology, innovations, and digitalization would lead to all-inclusive and sustainable development in the country. The minister said in the journey of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are standing at a turning point where our Government is taking concrete steps towards building a tomorrow, which is far more vibrant, Aatmanirbhar, and climate-resilient than our today.
Shri Gadkari said under the green highway mission, the Government is carrying out tree plantation and transplantation along the National Highways where larger participation of the local communities, farmers, NGOs, and private sector is expected.He said to utilize the benefits of huge investment in infrastructure, the private sector can invest in building logistics parks, smart cities, and industrial parks along the corridor.
Shri Gadkari said construction of 65,000 km of national highways is being done under the Bharatmala Phase 1 and 2.He said there is a plan to develop around 35,000 km of highways under Bharatmala Phase-1 with an overall capital expenditure of over Rs. 10 Lakh crore. 20,000 km of this is already under construction.The Minister said government is expeditiously working towards the development of a National highway network of 2 lakh kilometers by 2025.
Shri Gadkari said today, India is becoming the largest EV market for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and carsand special efforts are being taken towards the development of low-cost indigenous battery technologies. He said Start-ups and new entrants in the EV industry are performing well over traditional auto players.
The Minister said with greater participation from the private sector and increased government spending, opportunities for investors in the country’s supply chain are on the increase.
MJPS
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Dr. Jitendra Singh attends Jan Aushadi Diwas celebrations at Kathua
The day highlights the initiatives taken by The Govt. to provide a quality healthcare, says Dr. Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh attended ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ celebrations at Associated Hospital of Government Medical College, Kathua, Jammu.
Special arrangements were made to telecast Prime Minister, Narendra Modi`s interaction with owners of Jan Aushadhi Kendras and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana  across the country through video conference.
Highlighting the importance of celebrating this day, Dr. Singh said that Jan Aushadhi Diwas aims to provide further impetus and create awareness about the use of generic medicines in India. The day also highlights the initiatives taken by the Government in the direction of making quality healthcare affordable for all, like Ayushman Bharat, PMBJP, etc, he added.
Listing the benefits of the scheme, he said the Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana to promote affordable and quality generic medicines among the people. “The Government plans to have atleast 1 PMBJP Kendra in each block of the country by the end of 2020,” Dr. Singh said. He also said that these Kendras have been established to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs.
“Expensive medicines are affecting adversely the budget of common man and Non Communicable Diseases  like Hypertension and Diabetes are spreading their tentacles with enormous speed compelling the patients to take medicines on daily basis. For such affected persons these Jan Aushadhi Kendras prove to be a boon,” Dr. Singh informed.
Highlighting the achievements of Union government, the Minister said that Kathua has emerged as Education and health services hub with the establishment of several colleges and Hospitals. He said several obsolete and defunct laws have also been repealed.
"The speed of development in J&K has increased manifold after the creation of Union Territory as all the progressive central laws have been directly implemented here without any hindrance," Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
He also advised the gathering to take precautions against CoVID-19 Virus by following the advisory issued by the Health ministry.
Earlier, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in Kathua also shared their experience.
Later, the Union Minister also flagged off a rally for spreading the message of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 13.93 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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13,93,88,755
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 13.93 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Contribution of women in STEM & biodiversity conservation highlighted at the 10th Women Science Congress
The contribution of women in all walks of life, including STEM, as well as conservation of biodiversity, was highlighted at the 10th Women Science Congress , organised as a part of the 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University during 5-6 January 2023.
Padmashri Smt. Rahibai Soma Popere, a farmer and conservationist, highlighted the crucial role women have played in biodiversity conservation and also elaborated about her campaign to help farmers return to native varieties of crops while Chief Guest Mrs. Kanchan Gadkari, Head, Seva Sadan Sanstha, spoke about self-reliance among women. Several eminent women scientists shared their research and professional experiences with the audience.
Dr. Nisha Mendiratta, Advisor & Head, WISE-KIRAN Division, Department of Science & Technology , emphasized on the need for interventions to promote women in STEM. She highlighted that in tertiary education, the percentage of girls is more than 55, but after that, there are high numbers of dropouts - an issue that needs to be addressed. Dr. Mendiratta underlined the efforts of DST in plugging the gap areas and promoting women's participation in Science & Technology, benefiting more than 35000 girls and women in the last 8 years under various women-centric programs.
The experts discussed about the role of S&T in Women Empowerment; Opportunities in Food Science & Technology; Sustainable Development Goals; Science Communication, Role of Digitalization, etc.
A panel discussion was also organized wherein Dr. Indu Bala Puri, Scientist, DST, pointed out the importance of S&T-led development in rural areas. Dr. Suphiya Khan, Banasthali Vidyapith, asserted that innovation in research can excel in the output. Dr. Sangeeta Nagar, TIFAC, DST, briefed about the opportunities for women in the area of Intellectual Property Rights.
Dr. Zareena Qureshi, Principal, JNV Nagpur, shared the significance of the Vigyan Jyoti program for school girls to pursue a career in STEM fields. Dr. Sonal Dhabekar, beneficiary of the WOS-B program, highlighted how this program helped to reshape her scientific career after a long break.
Dr. Vijaylaxmi Saxena, General President of ISCA, appreciated the various initiatives of Govt. of India for empowering women. Dr. Kalpana Pande, Convener WSC, talked about the scientific temperament among women since ancient times. Around 5000 participants attended the 2-day event.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Home Affairs
“Momentous day for the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands,” says Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah as Prime Minister inaugurated the 2300 KM long Submarine OFC connecting Port Blair, Little Andaman and Swaraj Island
Shri Amit Shah said this mammoth project had enormous challenges but completed well before its timeline
“This landmark project will usher a new era of development for the Andaman & Nicobar islands”: Union Home Minister
Shri Amit Shah says this Submarine OFC will provide high-speed telecom and broadband facilities in Andaman & Nicobar at par with metro cities
“Modi Government is resolved towards its mission of Digital India and empowering its citizens with the best of modern facilities”: Union Home Minister
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah has termed it “a momentous day” for the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2300 KM long Submarine Optical Fibre Cable , connecting Port Blair, Little Andaman and Swaraj Island.
“This mammoth project had enormous challenges but completed well before its timeline,” said Shri Amit Shah, in a series of tweets.
Thanking the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Shri Amit Shah said, “this landmark project will usher a new era of development for the Andaman & Nicobar islands.”
Stating that the submarine OFC will provide high-speed telecom and broadband facilities in Andaman & Nicobar at par with metro cities, the Union Home Minister said, “this will lead to great benefits like e-education, banking facilities, telemedicine and surge employment by providing a major boost to the tourism sector.”
The Union Home Minister said, “Modi Government is resolved towards its mission of Digital India and empowering its citizens with the best of modern facilities.”
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Geeta Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Geeta Jayanti.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"भारतामृत सर्वस्वं विष्णोर्वक्त्राद्विनिः सृतम्।
गीता गंगोदकं पीत्वा पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते।।
सभी देशवासियों को गीता जयंती की अनंत शुभकामनाएं। श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता सदियों से मानवता का मार्गदर्शन करती आई है। अध्यात्म और जीवन-दर्शन से जुड़ा यह महान ग्रंथ हर युग में पथ प्रदर्शक बना रहेगा।"
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sao Tome and Principe for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Sao Tome and Principe for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy. The MoU was signed in March, 2018.
Major impact:
The MoU, will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Traditional Systems of Medicine. This will be of immense importance to both countries considering their shared cultural heritage.
Implementation strategy and targets:
The activities between the two sides will start after the receipt of copy of the signed MoU. The initiatives taken between the two countries will be as per the terms of reference of the MoU signed and will be a continuing process till the MoU remains in operation.
Background:
India is blessed with well- developed systems of traditional medicine including medicinal plants, which hold tremendous potential in the global health scenario.
The Ministry of AYUSH of the Republic of India having the mandate to promote, propagate and globalize the Traditional Systems of Medicine including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy has taken effective steps by entering into MoU with the Government of Malaysia, Government of Trinidad & Tobago, Government of Hungry, Government of Bangladesh, Government of Nepal, Government of Mauritius, Government of Mongolia, Government of Iran for Cooperation in Traditional Medicine. Another MoU is proposed to be signed with the Government of Sri Lanka.
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA directs all States/UTs to provide necessary Police Security to Doctors and Medical Staff fighting COVID-19
In view of reported incidents of harassment of Doctors and Medical Staff, Union Ministry of Home Affairs  has directed all States/UTs and respective Police authorities to provide necessary Police Security to them in hospitals and at places where patients who have been diagnosed COVID-19 positive or where suspected cases are quarantined.
It has also been communicated to provide necessary police security to doctors and medical staff who visit places to conduct screening of people to find out symptoms of the disease.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways identifies new routes for RO-RO, RO-PAX & Ferry Services
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways  has been working continuously for the promotion of Coastal Shipping under Sagarmala Programme. The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 Km long coastline and potentially navigable waterways.
MoPSW has identified Domestic locations namely Hazira, Okha, Somnath Temple, DIU, PIPAVAV, Dahej, Mumbai/JNPT, Jamnagar, Kochi, Ghogha, Goa, Mundra and Mandvi and 6 International routes, connecting 4 international destinations namely Chattogram , Seychelles  Madagascar  and Jaffna  from Indian major coastal port towns for the commencement of ferry services through inland waterways.
MoPSW, through Sagarmala Development Company Limited , is desirous of facilitating the companies to operate RO-RO, RO-PAX and Ferry services on various routes across the nation and provide the required support to make the project operational.
MOPSW has recently successfully implemented one of such ferry routes by deploying RoPAX vessel ferry service between Hazira and Ghogha. This ferry service has reduced the distance between Ghogha and Hazira from 370 Km to 90 Km and travel time from 10 to 12 hours to about 5 hours. This will result in huge savings of fuel 
To replicate the success of the above business model, MoPSW now encourages the private operator to identify the routes, which offers potential to commence the RO-RO, RO-PAX ferry service based on the localized demand to promote the supplementary and sustainable mode of the transportation through coastal/inland water. The purpose is to:
- Create a supplementary mode of transportation, which will not only be beneficial for the daily commuters, tourists’ movement and cargo transportation but also helpful in reducing carbon footprint by shifting to environment-friendly mode of transportation from rail and road.
- Provide impetus to the tourism industry
- Create job opportunities in the coastal regions
- Saving in terms of both cost and time for the users
- Decongest road and rail networks
Sagarmala Development Company Ltd will support the initiative by providing equity to the project in SPV framework, if required, and provide other assistance and facilitation to the private Operator including obtaining various permissions and approvals from regulatory and statutory Government Authorities.
YB/AP
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Impact of Coronavirus on Indian Ports
There is no impact on Cargo Vessels. However, as per the directions of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, International cruise vessels arriving from foreign destinations are not allowed to call Indian Ports till 31st March 2020.
Ministry of Shipping has issued necessary directions from time to time to all ports to put in place a screening, detection and quarantine system for disembarking Seafarer or cruise passengers, to obtain self declaration from arriving crews/passengers, to install thermal scanners and procure Personal Protection Equipment readiness,N-95 masks, create awareness among the travelers at Ports and Port officials. Further, Major ports under the administrative control of Ministry of Shipping have taken several steps like formation of SoP for disease surveillance/Vessel and crew/passenger management, thermal scanning while moving outside port prohibited area, isolation wards at port hospitals, IEC activities through electronic/print media/LED display boards of port trust and display in port hospital.
Status of the vessels arriving at Ports and screening of the crew members/passengers as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in prescribed format is being collected and uploaded daily on e-samiksha portal of Cabinet Secretariat. The developments are also being monitored in the Ministry on daily basis. As on date 18.3.2020, 25394 passengers/crew in 559 vessels were scanned. Port hospitals have been kept in a state of readiness with isolation ward.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Percentage of disposal of appeals in the CIC is 81% -Dr Jitendra Singh
The Chief Information Commissioner and one Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission have been appointed by the Government on 06.03.2020.
Implementation of various provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 including appointment of Information Commissioners in a State, is the responsibility of the State Government concerned.
Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to questions in Lok Sabha today informed that as on 12.03.2020, the number of appeals pending in the Central Information Commission was 30,911. The percentage of disposal of appeals during 2019-20  is 81%.
The tenure of posts is governed by the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the ‘Right to Information  Rules, 2019’.
Disposal of RTI applications is the primary responsibility of the State or Central Public Information Officer. Related first appeals are to be disposed by the respective First Appellate Authority and the second appeals by the respective Information Commission. In order to facilitate speedy disposal, the Central Government has taken several steps like issuing instructions impressing upon the Public Authorities to disclose information proactively so that citizens need not resort to filing of RTI applications to access information available with the Public Authorities; and capacity building through training and issue of guidelines for Public Information Officers and First Appellate Authorities to dispose of RTI applications/appeals effectively, resulting into less number of appeals to the Information Commission.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Revision of Loan Limit in MSME Sector Recommended
A Committee constituted by Reserve Bank of India  has submitted its Report to the RBI wherein it has been recommended that the limit for collateral free lending should be increased to Rs.20 lakh for MSMEs and Self-Help Groups . The Committee has also recommended revision of loan limit sanctioned under MUDRA to Rs.20 lakh from Rs.10 lakh.
This information was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.